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–+ servings

Mozzarella-Stuffed Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Rose
If you’re looking for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor, these Easy Mozzarella‑Stuffed Pesto Turkey Meatballs Over Spaghetti are exactly what you need. Juicy turkey meatballs infused with basil pesto and Parmesan, each hiding a gooey mozzarella center, pair perfectly with tender spaghetti and rich tomato sauce for a meal everyone will love.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • mixing spoon
  • parchment-lined baking sheet
  • oven
  • large skillet or saucepan
  • pot for spaghetti

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
  • ¼ cup basil pesto
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (optional, if browning on stovetop)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 12 oz spaghetti, cooked according to package directions

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, pesto, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix gently until ingredients are evenly incorporated, but don’t overwork the meat.
  • Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and fold the meat around it, forming a tight ball. Repeat for all meatballs.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes, letting flavors meld.
  • Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Plate pasta, spoon meatballs and sauce over the top, and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Seal the mozzarella well to prevent leaking, don’t overmix the meat, and use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Meatballs can be prepped ahead or frozen for convenience. Consider flavor variations like adding red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, or a cheese blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
Keyword mozzarella stuffed, pesto, spaghetti, turkey meatballs
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